Chap. 3 2. An Expfition upon the Bookof J ó B. Verf. 2E. I z. r Hence note. To accept perfons in prejudice to the c uofe or truth before ots, is a high offence both to Godandgood even. 'Tis fo in a double notion ; Firt+, in thea& of it , becaufe we doe that which in it felfe is not right, nor according to the mind of God. Secondly, in the iilue, confequence or effects ofit, be- caufe by refpeding perfons, we are endangered to many other fins. While Solomon only faith (Prow: 284 2t.) To have re- pea of perfons is not good ; his meaning is , 'cis very evill, 'tis Rarke naught. And the reafonwhich he gives of the evill of ir, is not only becaufe the a& in it felfe is evill, but becaufe the iflue and confequence of it is worfe ; For, ( faith that Scripture ) for a piece of bread that man will tranrgreffe ; That is, he that refpeas perfons, will turneafide from )uRice, for his owne advantage, though it be very (mall, even forapiece of bread. The Prophet complaines of thole (Amos 2. 6.) who fold the righteous for fl- ver, and the poreforapaire offhoes. They who have fold or gi- ven up themfelves to this crooked Spirit of refpeding perfons, will not Ricke to fell both the perfons of the righteous, and the moil righteous'caufes,not only (as the Prophet faith ) for a paire of !hoes, but (aswe fay) for apaire of ffioe-buckles. They will foone judge amiffe ofthings, who have ref e to perfons, and theyal- wayes Tooke betide the caufe, who loo a teomach upon theface ; no- thing fhould weigh withus in judgement, but truthor right, and that in a five-fold oppofition. Firff , Truthand right muR weigh with us in oppofirion to relation. When a Brother, ora neerekinfman be in the. caufe, we muff not decline, nor be biaffed from the truth, yea though ir beon his fide towhom we have no relation, but that of man. Secondly , We'muRkeep to the truth, and doe jufiice in op- pofition to friendfliip. Though he be my friend, my old friend, and my fathers friend, I mutt not refpe& him, if truthRandupon the other fide, upon the fid`e of the meerefl Rranger. It was an- ciently fayd, Socrates is my friend,and plate is myfriend,but truth Amicus Socra is more myfriend, and therefore Iwill f ti iclite that. tes , Amicus Thirdly , We muR hold to truth, inoppofitiom to or notwith- Plato, fedma- finding the hatred of men ; fuppofe a man beares us ill will, 8 's am" ve- yea in other thingshárh wronged us, (yet if his prefent caufe be rusts° righte-
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